Forsyth County Pre-K Program

The Smart Start of Forsyth County North Carolina Pre-K Program is a partnership with the Family Services of Forsyth County Head Start Program and Winston Salem/Forsyth County School System. The NC Pre-K program is designed to provide high-quality early childhood education that enhances school readiness for eligible four-year-old children. As a state-funded program, Smart Start of Forsyth County’s NC Pre-K program has detailed goals to ensure high levels of education, development, and readiness. These goals are:

      • Provide equal opportunities for each four-year-old child in the county.
      • Promote social-emotional growth.
      • Improve each child’s readiness for kindergarten.
      • Identify needs of the child and help families access services.
      • Provide information to parents to help with the transition from Pre-K to kindergarten.

This work makes complex knowledge simple and easy to understand.

Application Dates

  • Phase One

    • February 16 – May 31, 2026

      • Applications will be accepted and processed during this initial enrollment period.
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  • Applications Closed

    • June 1 – July 7, 2026

      • No applications will be accepted during this time.

  • Phase Two

    • July 8-31, 2026

      • Applications will reopen for families who were unable to apply during Phase One. Families that apply during this phase are automatically placed on the waitlist.

  • Applications Closed

    • August 1 – September 7, 2026

      • No applications will be accepted during this time.

  • Phase Three

    • September 8, 2026 – Ongoing

      • Applications will reopen for families who were unable to apply during Phase One or Phase Two. Families that apply during this phase are automatically placed on the waitlist.


*Please note that applying during Phase One gives your family the best opportunity for placement, as slots are limited. Applications are processed in the order they are received during each phase.

 

For questions about eligibility, required documentation, or the application process, please contact our Children and Family Services team at Smart Start of Forsyth County at 336-725-6011 or [email protected].

We look forward to serving your family!

How To Apply

Eligibility is determined by verifying family size and gross income. Children may also be eligible if they are:

      • Children of military families.
      • Children with an identified disability or developmental/educational need.
      • Children/families with limited English skills.
      • Children/families experiencing homelessness.

Please note, in addition to the Forsyth County Pre-K application, you must attach the following documents:

      • Child’s birth certificate
      • Proof of Forsyth County residence (most current utility bill or lease under parent’s name)
      • Four (4) recent wage or check stubs for parents living in the household who are working. Also, proof of SSI benefits, and/or proof of child support, if applicable. Parents do not have to be employed for the child to be eligible.
      • Four (4) recent wage or check stubs for parents living in the household who are working. Also, proof of SSI benefits, and/or proof of child support, if applicable. Parents do not have to be employed for the child to be eligible.
      • Proof of SNAP/EBT or WIC documentation (Screenshot of active account).
      • If you are a court-ordered legal guardian of the child, please provide a copy of the court order.


Application is Available Online Only

APPLY HERE!

FAQ

Your child must be 4 years old on or before August 31.

Yes. You must be a Forsyth County resident to qualify through Smart Start of Forsyth County.

Immunization, physical, hearing, vision, and dental documentation must be submitted to your child’s center/site within 30 days of enrollment. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in exclusion.

No. Placement is not guaranteed due to a limited number of available slots. Placements may occur at any time during the school year.

Yes. All NC Pre-K teachers must meet the same state-required education qualifications, regardless of the site type.

No. NC Pre-K is free for eligible families, including those placed in private sites.

No. Transportation is not provided for NC Pre-K.

Not all sites offer before and/or after-school care. Please contact the site directly for availability.

Parents are responsible for any fees associated with before or after-school care if it is offered.

You will be contacted by email or phone regarding placement.